Risk level(s)

Estonia - Take normal security precautions

Safety and security

Crime

Violent crime occurs, but foreigners are not usually targeted. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, also occurs, particularly in Tallinn’s Old Town and during the summer tourist season. Thieves often work in small groups and target tourists in airports, train stations and other public areas. Avoid parks, poorly lit streets and certain areas of Tallinn after dark, including Kopli and Lasnamäe.

Theft of vehicles or their contents is common. Keep vehicles locked and in guarded parking lots overnight.

Individuals have sometimes been harassed for reasons of race or foreign-looking appearance.

Fraud

Travellers have been approached by young women at reputable bars with invitations to socialize at a nearby bar. Once at the new bar, some travellers have fallen victim to criminal activity or been presented with very large bills for drinks and entertainment. You should always check prices before ordering any food or drinks.

Credit- and debit-card fraud occurs. Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others during payment processing.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Continue to exercise normal security precautions.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are rare. Nevertheless, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, as they have the potential to suddenly turn violent. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media.

Road safety

Road travel can be hazardous. Country roads are poorly lit and animals sometimes wander onto the road. Driving can be especially dangerous in winter, when roads are icy and snow-covered.

Public transportation

Use only officially marked taxis and make sure that the taxi meter is in use and that prices are posted. Whenever possible, call for a taxi instead of hailing one on the street. The taxi companies Tulika Takso and Tallink Takso can confirm the type, number and colour of the car when you call.

City buses are reliable but often crowded. Rail service is usually good but is limited to local connections around the main cities in Estonia.

Air travel

General safety information

Exercise normal security precautions. Do not show signs of affluence or carry large amounts of cash on you. Ensure that personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Entry/exit requirements

Entry/exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Estonian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Customs officials may require you to present proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

Schengen area

Estonia is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Vaccines to Consider

You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.

Measles: outbreak

Outbreaks of measles are ongoing.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause serious complications for some people.

You are at increased risk of measles infection if you have not had the illness or if you are not up to date on your vaccinations.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

Risk

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Eastern Europe, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Eastern Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Medical services and facilities

Standards of medical care in Tallinn and Tartu are comparable to Canadian standards. However, this may not be the case in other areas of Estonia. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers all medical expenses, including hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation, in case of illness or injury.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

Laws & culture

Canada and Estonia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Council of Europe). This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Estonia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Estonian authorities.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Estonia.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Estonia, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Driving

Foreign motor vehicles are subject to strict regulations. Drivers should always carry original registration documents. Police checkpoints are routinely set up on major roads; drivers should pull over when asked.

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol: the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00 percent.

The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless the phone is fitted with a hands-free device.

Seat belts, and car seats for infants, are mandatory for all occupants of a car, including the driver.

Headlights must be on at all times. Vehicles must be equipped with winter tires from December 1 to March 1; alternatively, studded tires can be used from October 1 to May 1. These dates are subject to change.

In the event of an accident, motorists must contact police to file an official report.

Other traffic laws

Pedestrians are required to wear small reflectors from dusk until dawn. The reflectors can be purchased at most stores and are usually pinned to coats or bags. The law is mostly enforced in rural areas, where lack of lighting makes it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians; however, pedestrians anywhere in the country could be fined for failure to wear a reflector, particularly if involved in an accident.

Money

The currency of Estonia is the euro (EUR).

Foreign currency is easily exchanged. Some banks accept Canadian dollar traveller’s cheques. Automated banking machines are widely available, and credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas as well as by larger establishments in remote locations.

When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU) with at least €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible asset. This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on the EU legislation and links to EU country sites, visit the European Commission Taxation and Customs Union’s cash controls page.

For emergency consular assistance, call the the Office of the Embassy in Tallinn and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Risk Levels

Exercise normal security precautions

There are no significant safety and security concerns. The overall safety and security situation is similar to that of Canada. You should take normal security precautions.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are identifiable safety and security concerns or the safety and security situation could change with little notice. You should exercise a high degree of caution at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country may be compromised.

Avoid non-essential travel

There are specific safety and security concerns that could put you at risk. You should reconsider your need to travel to the country, territory or region. If you are already in the country, territory or region, you should reconsider whether or not you really need to be there. If not, you should consider leaving while it is still safe to do so. It is up to you to decide what “non-essential travel” means, based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with a country, territory or region, and other factors.

Avoid all travel

There is an extreme risk to your personal safety and security. You should not travel to this country, territory or region. If you are already in the country, territory or region, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.